Intelligent Heavy Bag System

ABSTRACT

An intelligent heavy bag system having a sensor system and an illumination system adapted to provide performance feedback to a user.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/755,561 filed Jan. 23, 2013, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a fitness apparatus that can be used for professional and recreational training. The invention is, however, more particularly directed to an intelligent heavy bag system capable of stimulating and sensing impacts on the surface of the bag, and processing the magnitude, location, and time delay of those impacts to measure performance.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Mixed martial arts (MMA) has grown into a popular spectator sport over the last several years. Professional MMA fighters undergo rigorous training programs to improve and maintain their strength, conditioning, and technique. These training programs have become popular among fitness enthusiasts as well.

Martial arts training programs have proved to be an effective way to improve health and fitness. Many people see positive results from martial arts training, such as improved cardiovascular endurance, increased muscular strength and tone, as well as weight loss. It also helps users gain a sense of inner strength and emotional balance.

Martial arts are unique in working most of the main muscle groups at the same time. This is different from a workout at a normal gym, where different machines are needed for different muscle groups. Martial arts' particular combination of techniques and movements provides a full body workout in a single session.

Martial arts training sessions are typically complemented with various devices. One of the most common devices used in martial arts training is the heavy bag. The heavy bag resembles an opponent and is designed to be repeatedly punched and kicked. Traditional heavy bags and other training devices primarily lack the ability to provide performance tracking and feedback. As a result, multiple devices in the prior art have incorporated electronic components that enable them to capture and feedback performance data for any number of users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, an intelligent heavy bag that can be used for both professional and recreational training at gyms, martial arts schools, and home is provided. In one embodiment, the intelligent bag comprises a central core assembly having an illumination system and impact sensor system. A layered body structure is disposed about the central core assembly, and is adapted to permit visible light to transmit through the layered body to the exterior of the heavy bag. The visible light defines lighting zones that indicate where and when a user should hit the surface of the heavy bag. The sensor system detects impact anywhere along the surface of the heavy bag.

In another aspect, the intelligent heavy bag includes a computational system with memory capability to store training sequences and performance data for multiple of users. The system can communicate with multiple external user interface devices for configuration, mode selection, data management, and real-time monitoring. Additionally, the system may be internet-ready, which allows locally stored data to be accessed and managed remotely. This internet connectivity can also be used for live peer-to-peer sessions, where two remote users can train against each other.

These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments, which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a general perspective view of the intelligent heavy bag in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the heavy bag in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is perspective view of the core member in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the inner layer of the heavy bag in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a partial cut out of the outer layer in accordance the embodiment of J-J of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a cross section view of the inner layer in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a cross sectional view of the multiple layers including stumps in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is perspective view of one embodiment of a stump in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 9 is another view of the embodiment of a stump in accordance with FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is perspective view of a second embodiment of a stump in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 11 is another view of the embodiment of a stump in accordance with FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the core assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of the top section of the core assembly shown in the embodiment of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of the bottom section of the core assembly of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the core assembly of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of core assembly of FIG. 15 and core member in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a fastener engaged to core assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a top view of core assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 is a cross section view of the core assembly of FIG. 18 including a sensor system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a first sensor of the sensor system of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a second sensor of the sensor system of FIG. 19

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the housing portion of sensor in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 23 is a top view of the sensor in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 24 is an exploded view of the sensor in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 25 is a cross sectional view AD-AD of the sensor of FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the illumination system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing communication of the electronics in accordance of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 28 schematically shows a network ready embodiment of the heavy bag system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 29 schematically shows an internet-ready embodiment of the heavy bag system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 30 shows a peer-to-peer communication network in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 31 shows elements of an analog conditioning circuit of FIG. 27 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 32A to 32D illustrates an alternative core member in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF REPRESENTATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments.

In one aspect, the intelligent heavy bag system is a customizable, modular system, which includes a body comprising a central core assembly to hold a core member disposed within the first and second layers. The central core assembly further includes a sensor system to sense and process impact upon the bag surface, and an illumination system to transmit visible light to an exterior of the heavy bag system. When illuminated, the visible lights define zones as an indicator for when and where to hit the heavy bag. Advantageously, the intelligent heavy bag system is capable of stimulating and sensing impacts upon the surface of the bag, and processing the magnitude, location, and time delay of those impacts to measure performance.

Intelligent Heavy Bag Body Structure

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1 the intelligent heavy bag system 100 comprises an elongate body. However, other suitable configurations can be employed, such as but not limited to a bulbous body configuration (e.g., speed bag), a human-like torso, or similar to the Wavemaster® martial arts kickboxing bag. The body includes a top section 111 and a bottom section 112. The top section 111 may be adapted to secure to another object, such as a stand, ceiling, beam, rod, or other structure such that the heavy bag system can be hung. Alternatively or additionally, the bottom section 112 may be adapted to include a base so that the heavy bag system can be freestanding.

In one embodiment, a central core assembly 140 is configured to hold a core member 130 axially disposed within inner layer 120 and an outer layer 110 (best shown in FIG. 2).

Core member 130 member defines an elongate tubular structure as shown in FIG. 3. The core member is preferably a rigid or semi-rigid structure. The core member is adapted to permit transmission of light through the core member. This may be achieved by providing a core member having a plurality of holes 133 disposed along the core member structure (FIG. 3). The holes permit the transmission of light from the illumination system through the core member. Alternatively, other techniques may be used to permit the passage of light through core member, such as the degree of transparency of material used to fabricate the core member.

The core member 130 is at least partially surrounded by inner layer 120 FIG. 4. Inner layer 120 may also be adapted to permit the transmission of light through the inner layer 120. For example, the inner layer 120 may be configured with a plurality of holes 121 to permit light transmission. In one embodiment, the plurality of holes 121 correspond to the plurality of holes of core member 133 (FIG. 3). With respect to this embodiment, the transmitted light is capable of transmitting through both core member 130 and inner layer 120. Holes 121 and 133 can be configured to extend through a thickness of the inner layer 120, and core member 130, respectively. In one embodiment, holes 121 and/or 133 are disposed entirely through the thickness of the inner layer or core member as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. However, the holes can be configured to extend only partially through the thicknesses of the inner member and core member as long as light is capable of transmitting through the structures. The holes 121 and 133 have a size and/or diameter sufficient to permit visible light to pass through. Like core member 130, inner member 120 can be fabricated from a transparent material to permit light to transmit through the inner layer 120 in addition to or in lieu of holes 121.

In an alternative embodiment as shown in FIG. 32B, core member 130 includes an upper lid 176 disposed at an upper end of the core member body and a lower lid 177 disposed at the lower end of core member body 130. The core member 130 includes holes 133 that permit light from the illumination elements 157 to transmit through the core member. Upper lid 176 includes one or more brackets 179 and one or more tabs 178 to permit hanging of the heavy bag. The upper lid 176 may be fastened or otherwise engaged, e.g. welded, to the brackets and tabs. Similarly, the lower lid 177 is fastened or otherwise engaged, e.g., welded, to tabs 178 disposed at the lower end of core member body. A sensor 150 is disposed at the upper and lower lids 176, 177 of core member 130, as shown in FIG. 32D).

An illumination system locking bracket 181 supports one end of the illumination system to the upper lid as shown in FIG. 32C. The lower lid 177 further includes provisions 180 to support the lower portion of the illumination system. A perspective cross section view of the entire bag using the core member design without the central bar is shown in FIG. 32A.

Outer layer 110 provides an external skin that surrounds inner layer 120. (FIG. 5.) In one embodiment, outer layer 110 can be formed from a material that allows the transmitted light (from the illumination system) to the exterior of the intelligent heavy bag body 100. The outer and inner layers 110, 120 can be formed from different materials or the same material. The thicknesses of the materials may be different. For example, the outer layer 110 may be an exterior skin layer formed from elastic material or more preferably translucent elastic material. The inner layer can be configured to absorb shock, such as being formed from a material having a greater thickness than outer layer 110. For example, inner layer can be a padding layer made from foam or some other force absorbing material (best shown in FIG. 6).

When the inner layer includes a plurality of holes 121 to permit light to transmit through the layer, translucent stumps 163 (FIG. 7) can be inserted into holes 121 to reduce over-stretching of outer layer 110 material into holes 121 during use. Suitable non-limiting designs of stumps 163 are shown in FIGS. 8-11. As depicted stumps 163 are configured to fit within holes 121 of inner layer 120. The stumps 163 are generally cylindrical structures having a longitudinal length substantially equivalent to the depth of holes 121. The stumps 163 can be cylindrical shape having a smooth surface FIG. 8 or can have a corrugated or pleated surface, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

Referring back to FIG. 3 core member may include slots 131 and 132 disposed at the top 111 and bottom 112 sections of elongate tubular structure. Slots 131-132 can facilitate securing the core member 130 and inner layer 120 to the central core assembly 140. As best shown in FIG. 12, central core assembly 140 includes a bar 141 (e.g., solid steel) connected to first and second hubs 142, 143 at opposing top and bottom ends of the bar 141. In one embodiment, hub 141 includes fastening elements 144 that extend axially from the longitudinal axis of the hub 142. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the fastening elements 144 may be steel plates or spokes 144 welded to, or otherwise secured to, or integrally formed with, hubs 142, 143. In one embodiment, the spokes 144 are oriented at 90 degrees from each other. However, other orientations can be used. Spokes 144 engage slots 131, 132 of the core member 130 to secure the core member 130, inner layer 120, and outer layer 110 to central core assembly 140. As shown in FIG. 13, first hub 142 can be configured to include bolts, openings or other type of catch to engage a device to hang the heavy bag 100.

In another embodiment, central core assembly 140′ as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, includes spokes 144′ extend from second hub 143′. Spokes 144′ include longitudinal locking elements 166 and rotational locking element 167. The spokes 144′ attached to the first hub 142′ include a locking step 169. As shown in FIG. 16, the top and bottom ends of core member 130 engage locking step 169 and the locking element 166. The rotational locking element 167 may be fastened to a provision 168 in core member 130 for further securement.

Various other types of fasteners can be employed to secure the core member and inner and outer layers to the central core assembly, such as a plurality of fastening snaps, buttons, Velcro™ type hooks and loops, glue and the like.

As described above, the intelligent heavy bag can be configured to hang. In this aspect, the central core assembly may be configured to facilitate hanging from another structure. For example, the central core assembly 140 may include eye bolts 147 (FIGS. 3, 12, 20) secured to a top portion of the central core assembly. The eye bolts 147 may be welded 146 onto the spokes 144, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 20. Alternatively, the spokes 144 can be adapted to include an opening 147′, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. As shown in FIG. 17, a chain 149 or other fastening device may be attached to or through the eye bolts 147 or opening 147′ to provide an anchor system to attach the heavy bag to a stand, ceiling or other structure. Alternatively, as described above, the heavy bag can include a base to provide a free standing heavy bag system (not shown).

Users of traditional heavy bags sometimes manually introduce motion to the heavy bag in addition to the natural movements of the bag upon impact. The moving target resulting from the motion adds a level of difficulty. The intelligent heavy bag system 100 can be adapted to automatically induce motion by actuating chain 149 supporting the heavy bag to a ceiling or other structure. In one embodiment, the heavy bag system includes electromechanical actuators to actuate the chains to induce random or predetermined motions. The motion can also be generated based on the location and intention of the user. As a result, the bag can simulate offensive and evasive maneuvers.

The structural design of the intelligent heavy bag 100 can be intrinsically modular. Outer layer 110 and inner layer 120 may include different hardness that can easily be swapped during the manufacturing process. The weight of the heavy bag 100 can also be adjusted by attaching discs to the core of the bag. This modularity is highly desirable because some martial arts require heavy bags with different physical characteristics.

Intelligent Heavy Bag Electronics

The intelligent heavy bag includes a sensor system capable of detecting impacts from a user upon the surface of the heavy bag. In one embodiment, the sensor system includes at least first and second impact sensors 150 a, 150 b disposed at opposing ends of the central core assembly bar 141, as shown in FIG. 19. As illustrated in detail in FIGS. 19-21, sensors 150 a, 150 b can be placed inside the first and second hubs 145 and 165 respectively. Sensor 150 includes a cap portion 156 and base portion 154 (FIG. 23) configured to engage to each other (FIG. 22). For example, base 154 can include sealing portion 155 to which cap portion 156 can be engaged and secured. In some embodiments, sealing portion 155 includes threads that engage with receiving threads on an interior surface of cap portion 156. In other embodiments, sealing portion 156 includes at least one linear ridge that engages with a receiving groove on an interior surface of cap portion 156. When secured, base portion 154 and the cap portion 156 define a housing. In some embodiments, the housing provides electromagnetic shielding for the components therein, such as by being substantially metallic or including a metallic coating on exterior or interior surfaces.

In some embodiments, a high viscosity fluid is included within the housing, submerging sensors 150 a, 150 b. In such embodiments, the fluid provides a dynamic dampening proportional to the strength of the impact. The fluid also eliminates residual vibrations that produce unwanted noise.

As shown in FIG. 25, sensor 150 includes piezoelectric transducers 151, 152 disposed at 90 degrees and mounted to an integrated circuit 153. The integrated circuit 153 may be mounted on base 154. Alternatively, the sensors may include a gyroscope to measure rotation of the bag. Other vectorial sensor systems such as accelerometers can be used.

The placement of the first and second sensors at approximately opposite ends of the heavy bag system provides the capability to determine the vertical and/or angular location of an impact. The piezoelectric transducers inside each sensor capture the two horizontal components of an impact. These components are used to calculate the angular location and magnitude of an impact. In some embodiments, the piezoelectric transducers are arranged to flex upon impact. The signal generated by the piezoelectric transducers may be high output impedance and low power and thus may require amplification, compression and DC level conditioning to be processed by the microprocessor A/D converter.

The data is processed by a microprocessor that executes an impact detection algorithm to calculate the magnitude and location of the actual impacts anywhere on the surface of the bag. The impact detection algorithm comprises impact measurement, false impact exclusion, decompression, and calculation of the magnitude and position of the impact. Impact measurement includes ongoing monitoring of the sensor signals and processing only those portions of the signal that display the characteristics of an impact. These signals are further screened to exclude false impacts that may result from secondary oscillations. Decompression reverses the compression applied to the analog signal prior to conversion to digital. The magnitude and position of the impact may then be calculated.

In particular, the vector sum of the mechanical forces detected by piezoelectric transducers 151, 152 determines the direction from which the impact originated and its magnitude. The microprocessor receives output signals from each of the piezoelectric transducers of each of first and second impact sensors 150 a, 150 b. A scaling correction may be applied to each of the output signals in order to obtain a force measurement in preferred units. In other embodiments the scaling correction is a non-linear equation suitable for the response range of the particular piezoelectric transducer and compression algorithm. The angular direction of each piezoelectric transducer is known a priori, and in some embodiments, piezoelectric transducers 151, 152 are disposed at 90 degrees to each other and are each adapted to detect a force perpendicular to the axis of the core 141. The corrected force measurements and the known angular directions of the piezoelectric transducers are combined to form vectors v₁ and v₂. A vector sum v₁+v₂=f is computed to determine the direction and magnitude of the impact relative to the overall assembly. In some embodiments, the vectors calculated from the outputs of the piezoelectric transducers of each of first and second impact sensors 150 a, 150 b are averaged to determine the angular location of the impact.

Force vector f is computed for each of sensors 150 a, 150 b (f₁ and f₂). The ratio of the magnitudes of force vectors f₁ and f₂ is determined. Based on this ratio and the absolute magnitude of the vectors, the vertorial phase of each vector and the position of the center of gravity of the bag between impact sensor 150 a, 150 b, the position of the impact is determined along the vertical axis of the bag. In some embodiments, the absolute magnitudes of the vectors relative to the response range of the piezoelectric sensors are also considered. Different linear approximations of the nonlinear equation are used depending on the position of the impact to calculate the vertical location. These equations have various coefficients that are adjusted according to the physical properties of the bag.

As described, the heavy bag further includes an illumination system 162 (FIG. 26) comprising a body 159 including a plurality of illumination elements 157 capable of transmitting visible light when actuated. The visible light has an intensity sufficient to be transmitted through at least portions of core member 130, inner layer 120 and outer layer 110 to define lighting zones. In one embodiment, the illumination system body is an elongate member 159 secured to central core assembly 140 or core member 130 by support members 160 and 161 respectively. However, the configuration of the illumination system body depends on the configuration of the heavy bag body. For example, should the intelligent heavy bag be a speed bag, the illumination system body may be circular instead of elongate.

When both the core member and inner layer include holes 131 and 121, the illumination elements 157 can be disposed in close proximity to holes 131 and holes 121 such that light is transmitted through both core member and inner layer. When core member or inner layer is formed from transparent or translucent material, the illumination elements have intensity capable of being visible exterior to the heavy bag system. In some embodiments, the illumination elements comprise a high intensity Light Emitting Diode (LED). In some embodiments, the illumination elements comprise a plurality of LEDs of different colors, that may be separately operated. In one embodiment, the illumination system is an internal LED matrix. The LEDs are high intensity RGB LEDs. In some embodiments, the illumination elements comprise a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a backlight.

Each of the illumination elements 157 are operatively connected to one or more printed circuit boards (PCB) 158. They may be connected to programmable elements assembled on a bus topology. In another implementation, all of the LEDs are connected to a common controller board (Star topology). The illumination elements form a plurality of lighting zones that can be actuated independently of each other. In other words, one or more of the plurality of lighting zones transmit light according to a predetermined or selective training module. In some embodiments, each of the PCBs is connected to a digital bus (not pictured) that runs along elongate member 159. In other embodiments, the PCBs 158 are omitted, and lighting control circuitry is integrated into integrated circuit 153. In one embodiment, for example, a light matrix controller sends a signal to the individual LED boards to light the illumination elements. These signals can be sent according to a stored sequence, or in response to a sensed impact upon the heavy bag.

The lighting zones can light up with different colors and/or different intensity. In some embodiments, PCB 158 is operable to separately illuminate one of several LEDs in illumination element 157. In some embodiments, PCB 158 is operable to receive a color code via a digital bus and illuminate a plurality of LEDs in proportion to the color components of the color code. For example, an RGB color code of 0xFF99CC would result in illumination of a red LED, green LED, and blue LED in the ratio of 255:153:204. In other embodiments, the PCB comprises display controller circuitry operable to control an LED display and the associated backlight.

In some embodiments, an embedded computational system is included in intelligent heavy bag system 100. The embedded computational system may be a general purpose computer, microprocessor/microcontroller, or may be an application specific integrated circuit, or field-programmable gate array. The embedded computation system is operably coupled to an output of each of impact sensors 150 a, 150 b. The embedded computation system is operably connected to each illumination element 157, either directly or through a digital bus and PCB 158. In some embodiments, the embedded computation system comprises a mass storage device encoding at least one training sequence comprising a plurality of timed indicators to activate at least one of illumination elements 157. The training sequence may be played back by the embedded computation system to illuminate illumination elements 157 according to the encoded sequence. In alternative embodiments, the functionality of the embedded computational system is provided by a computation system external to the heavy bag 100, but remaining operably coupled to an output of each of impact sensors via a wired or wireless connection.

In addition to using the lighting zones to instruct the user when and where to hit, after the user delivers an impact, the lighting zone(s) closest to the location of the impact can light up with a relevant color and intensity proportional to the strength of the impact. In other words, a color code and intensity can be used as feedback to the user of the detected performance. The color and intensity of the LEDs can be used to feedback performance to the user.

The magnitude, accuracy, as well as time delay between stimuli (lights) and response (impact) are used by the embedded computation system to measure performance. Hit accuracy can be measured by comparing the location of the illuminated lighting zone to the actual impact location as measured by sensors 150 a, 150 b, while the time delay is measured from the time the lighting zone is illuminated to the time that the impact is sensed.

The correlation between light stimuli and the data captured by the sensors can be processed by the computational system. The memory or non-transitory machine readable storage medium or mass storage device of the embedded computational system can store numerous training sequences as well as performance data collected for each of multiple users. In some embodiments, the embedded computational system is operable to record a training sequence through user interaction. In such embodiments, heavy bag system 100 comprises a learning mode switch. Upon activation of the learning mode switch, the embedded computational system begins recording impacts to the memory of the storage medium. In this mode, users impact the bag in multiple desired locations and then save the locations of the impacts into a new sequence.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing the exchange of information between the different components of the intelligent heavy bag system 100 in one embodiment of the system referred to as the “Standalone Mode.” In this mode, the lighting zones are illuminated according to a pre-recorded or random sequence, for example, selected by the user before a training session. The impact data is captured by the sensors 150 a, 150 b. The signal is conditioned, converted to digital and then processed to determine whether there has been an impact. Based on the impact information from both sensors 150 a, 150 b, as described above, the location and magnitude of the impact is determined. The location of the impact and the delay between stimuli and impacts are determined in order to derive performance metrics. In some embodiments, heavy bag system 100 comprises a plurality of buttons corresponding to training sequences. Before each training session, the user may activate a random sequence or one of the predetermined training sequences. As discussed above, impact data is compared to the active sequence to evaluate performance. The illuminated lighting zones are driven with variable intensity and color to provide the appropriate feedback to the user. The latest training sessions may be stored and the performance data can be retrieved for analysis or post-processing on an external device.

FIG. 31 shows the elements of the analog conditioning circuit referenced in FIG. 27. In one embodiment, the circuit processes the analog signal captured by the sensors and extracts the necessary data for later calculation of the magnitude and location of impacts. In some embodiments, the analog conditioning circuit includes a filter, a compressor and a level adapter. The filter eliminates noise and oscillations of the signal. In addition, the filter may remove low frequency components of the signal that result from pendulum like movement of the bag. The compressor ensures that the input signal is within the dynamic range of the analog to digital converter (ADC). In some embodiments, the compression level is proportional to the strength of the impact. The level adapter regulates the signal to the DC level required by the analog to digital converter.

Wireless Communication

In some embodiments, intelligent heavy bag system 100 includes wireless network interface 101. Wireless network connectivity may be provided through 802.11 (WiFi), Bluetooth, cellular data, or other wireless protocol known in the art. Wired connectivity may be provided by Ethernet or other wired protocols known in the art. The network interface may be connected to a LAN, a WAN or the Internet. In some embodiments, the embedded computational system comprises an embedded web server providing a web interface. In such embodiments, data recorded by the embedded computational system is accessible by a web browser of an external via wireless network interface 101. In some embodiments, the embedded computation system automatically and periodically uploads recorded data via wireless network interface 101 to a remote server. The remote server may be a remote web server, FTP server, cloud storage, or other data storage location known in the art. In some embodiments, the upload schedule and selected data may be determined by a user through the web interface. In some embodiments, a website is provided that allows users to track and share performance data as well as customize and share training sequences.

Desktops 102, notebooks 103, smart phones 104 and cell phones 105 can be used with a wireless connection 106 to communicate with the system 100 for configuration, mode selection, and data management. Additionally, a training session can be monitored by third parties (instructor, spectator, etc.) in real time using these client systems (see FIGS. 28 and 29). In some embodiments, remote access to intelligent heavy bag system 100 is provided through the web server of the embedded computation system. In other embodiments, remote access to system 100 is provided by proprietary software installed on client devices 102, 103, 104, 105 (e.g., an app or application).

As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the system of the present disclosure may be used in various network environments combining wireless and wired networks. In an exemplary deployment (FIG. 29), the intelligent heavy bag system 100 of the present disclosure is connected to a LAN 106 via wireless network interface 101. LAN 106 is in turn connected to the Internet 110. A desktop client 109 and a laptop client 103 operate by a remote user 202 connect to intelligent heavy bag system 100 via the Internet 110.

In another exemplary embodiment, a peer-to-peer mode (see FIG. 30) is used. In peer-to-peer mode, two remote users 201-202, each with their own intelligent heavy bag system 203-204, can interact with each other simulating a combat. Each of intelligent heavy bag systems 203-204, upon detecting an impact, transmits the associated vector (described above) via wireless network interface 101, 102 to the other intelligent heavy bag system. The destination intelligent heavy bag system activates a lighting zone corresponding to the location of the impact. The color of the activated lighting zone may correspond to the magnitude of the impact. For example, if user 201 impacts his/her bag, the corresponding zone lights up in user 202's bag. In some embodiments, this remote interaction may be used to play a game in which user 202 impacts a zone to choose a location. This corresponding location lights up in user 201's bag, and user 201 attempts to impact that location as quickly as possible.

As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claim. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above, it will be recognized and understood that various modifications can be made in the invention and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications which may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An intelligent heavy bag system, comprising a body including: a central core disposed within inner and outer layers, the central core and the inner layer having corresponding holes through a thickness thereof, an illumination system comprising a plurality of illumination elements disposed in the body such that visible light is capable of transmitting through the plurality of holes; and a sensor system configured to detect impact upon the body of the intelligent heavy bag.
 2. The intelligent heavy bag system of claim 1, wherein the system is capable of providing feedback to a user on his performance.
 3. The intelligent heavy bag system of claim 1, wherein the sensor system consists of a first sensor disposed at a top section of the body of the heavy bag and a second sensor disposed at a bottom section of the body of the heavy bag.
 4. The intelligent heavy bag system of claim 1, wherein the sensor system includes at least first and second sensors, the first and second sensor comprising piezoelectric transducer system mounted to an integrated circuit.
 5. The intelligent heavy bag system of claim 4, wherein the piezoelectric transducer system include first and second piezoelectric transducers disposed at ninety degrees of each other.
 6. The intelligent bag system of claim 1, wherein the sensor system is capable of determining both vertical and angular location of an impact upon the body of the intelligent heavy bag.
 7. The intelligent bag system of claim 1, wherein the sensor system is capable of determining both vertical and angular magnitude of an impact upon the body of the intelligent heavy bag.
 8. The intelligent heavy bag system of claim 1, wherein the illumination system elements include an internal LED matrix, and further wherein the LEDs are high intensity LEDs.
 9. The intelligent heavy bag system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of light emitting diodes are operatively connected to one or more printed circuit boards or programmable elements on a bus topology or a common controller board.
 10. The intelligent heavy bag system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of light emitting diodes define a plurality of lighting zones, and the lighting zones can be actuated independently of each other.
 11. The intelligent heavy bag system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of light emitting diodes transmit light according to a training module that can be selected by the user.
 12. The intelligent heavy bag system of claim 1, further comprising a computational system, selected from the group consisting of a general purpose computer, an application specific integrated circuit, a microprocessor, microcontroller, a FPGA.
 13. The intelligent heavy bag system of claim 12, wherein the computational system is operatively coupled to an output of the sensor system.
 14. The intelligent heavy bag system of claim 13, wherein the computational system is operatively coupled to the illumination elements.
 15. The intelligent heavy bag system of claim 14, wherein the sensor system is operatively connected to the illumination system such that the color and intensity of the illumination elements provide performance feedback to the user.
 16. The intelligent heavy bag system of claim 12, wherein the computational system comprises a readable or writable storage medium encoding at least one training sequence and performance data.
 17. The intelligent heavy bag system of claim 16, wherein the bag further includes a peer-to-peer mode in which two users can train against each other with two separate intelligent heavy bags.
 18. The intelligent heavy bag system of claim 1, wherein signals obtained from the sensor system are conditioned by a compression algorithm to avoid signal saturation.
 19. An intelligent heavy bag system, comprising a body including: a central core disposed within inner and outer layers, the central core and the inner layer having corresponding holes through a thickness thereof, a sensor system configured to detect impact upon the body of the intelligent heavy bag and an illumination system comprising illumination elements, wherein the sensor system and the illumination system are operatively connected to provide performance feedback to a user of the intelligent heavy bag system.
 20. The intelligent heavy bag system of claim 19, wherein the bag further includes training mode for an individual user and a peer-to-peer mode in which two users can train against each other with two separate intelligent heavy bags 